Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Arabella
GirlScottish, Latin· “uncertain; possibly yielding to prayer”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly yielding to prayer (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Scottish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- air-uh-BEL-uh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #213
- US babies 2025
- 1,423
- Best rank
- #156 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Arabella
Arabella is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly yielding to prayer”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and Latin roots.
Arabella is an old Scottish name whose origin is uncertain. It is often linked to the Latin orabilis, meaning "yielding to prayer," and may also be connected with Annabel or with Amabel, meaning "lovable." The name was used in Scottish noble families from the Middle Ages, most notably by Lady Arabella Stuart, a cousin of James VI and I who was once considered a possible heir to the English throne. Arabella later appeared in novels by writers such as Thomas Hardy. It has a lavish, romantic sound, and Bella, Ara and Belle give it plenty of everyday options.
Popularity over time
Arabella first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 27 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #156 in 2017, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 1,914 were named Arabella. In 2025, 1,423 babies were named Arabella, and it ranked #213 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,820 in 1920, #4,760 in 1950, #1,871 in 2000, #383 in 2010, and #213 in 2025. Of the 27,957 US girls named Arabella since records began, 54% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 8,501 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Harmony, Callie, Presley, Londyn, and Adelyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Arabella ranked highest in West Virginia, Nevada, and New Mexico.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #74 | 18 |
| Nevada | #85 | 24 |
| New Mexico | #114 | 12 |
| Maine | #117 | 9 |
| Kentucky | #138 | 32 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Arabella is usually pronounced air-uh-BEL-uh, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with A and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Arabella
A few middle names that flow with Arabella: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Arabella
Similar names
Antonella Girl
an-tuh-NEH-luh
“diminutive of Antonia” · Italian
#284
Annabella Girl
a-nuh-BEH-luh
“combination of Anna and Bella” · Italian
#1,352
Juliana Girl
joo-lee-AH-nuh
“feminine of Julian” · Latin
#256
Octavia Girl
ahk-TAY-vee-uh
“eighth” · Latin
#308
Seraphina Girl
sehr-uh-FEE-nuh
“fiery ones; from seraphim” · Hebrew
#600
Evelina Girl
eh-vuh-LEE-nuh
English
#778
Gabriella Girl
gab-ree-EL-uh
“God is my strength” · Italian
#105
Bella Girl
BEL-uh
“beautiful” · Italian
#136
Gabriela Girl
gah-bree-EL-uh
“God is my strength” · Spanish
#317
Izabella Girl
iz-uh-BEL-uh
“God is my oath” · Spanish
#564
Ariella Girl
ah-ree-EHL-uh
“lion of God” · Hebrew
#174
Kyla Girl
KY-luh
“narrow strait; feminine of Kyle” · Scottish
#580
Lists that include Arabella
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Arabella mean?
Arabella is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly yielding to prayer”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Arabella?
Arabella has Scottish and Latin roots. Arabella is an old Scottish name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Arabella a popular name?
Yes. Arabella ranked #213 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Arabella a boy or girl name?
Arabella is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Arabella?
Arabella is usually pronounced air-uh-BEL-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings